How To Tell If You Have A Peptic Ulcer

How To Tell If You Have A Peptic Ulcer
During normal digestion, food moves from the mouth down the esophagus into the stomach.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food.

From the stomach, food passes into the upper part of the small intestine, called the

duodenum, where digestion and nutrient absorption continue.

An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach or duodenum where

acid and pepsin are present. Ulcers in the stomach are called gastric or stomach ulcers.

Those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers. In general, ulcers in the stomach and

duodenum are referred to as peptic ulcers. Ulcers rarely occur in the esophagus or in the

first portion of the duodenum, the duodenal bulb.

About 20 million Americans develop at least one ulcer during their lifetime. Ulcers can

develop at any age, but they are rare among teenagers and even more uncommon in children.

Duodenal ulcers occur for the first time usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Duodenal

ulcers occur more frequently in men than women.

For almost a century, doctors believed lifestyle factors such as stress and diet caused

ulcers. Later, researchers discovered that an imbalance between digestive fluids

(hydrochloric acid and pepsin) and the stomach's ability to defend itself against these

powerful substances resulted in ulcers. Today, research shows that most ulcers develop as

a result of infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). While all

three of these factors--lifestyle, acid and pepsin, and H. pylori--play a role in ulcer

development, H. pylori is now considered the primary cause.

While scientific evidence refutes the old belief that stress and diet cause ulcers,

several lifestyle factors continue to be suspected of playing a role. These factors

include cigarettes, foods and beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, and physical

stress.

Coffee, tea, colas, and foods that contain caffeine seem to stimulate acid secretion in

the stomach, aggravating the pain of an existing ulcer. However, the amount of acid

secretion that occurs after drinking decaffeinated coffee is the same as that produced

after drinking regular coffee. Thus, the stimulation of stomach acid cannot be attributed

solely to caffeine.

Researchers believe that the stomach's inability to defend itself against the powerful

digestive fluids, acid and pepsin, contributes to ulcer formation. The stomach defends

itself from these fluids in several ways. One way is by producing mucus--a lubricant-like

coating that shields stomach tissues. Another way is by producing a chemical called

bicarbonate. This chemical neutralizes and breaks down digestive fluids into substances

less harmful to stomach tissue. Finally, blood circulation to the stomach lining, cell

renewal, and cell repair also help protect the stomach.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) make the stomach vulnerable to the

harmful effects of acid and pepsin. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium

are present in many non-prescription medications used to treat fever, headaches, and minor

aches and pains. These, as well as prescription NSAIDs used to treat a variety of

arthritic conditions, interfere with the stomach's ability to produce mucus and

bicarbonate and affect blood flow to the stomach and cell repair. They can all cause the

stomach's defense mechanisms to fail, resulting in an increased chance of developing

stomach ulcers. In most cases, these ulcers disappear once the person stops taking

NSAIDs.

The most common ulcer symptom is a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the

breastbone and the navel. The pain often occurs between meals and in the early hours of

the morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours and may be relieved by eating

or by taking antacids.

In the past, doctors advised people with ulcers to avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.

However, a bland diet is now known to be ineffective for treating or avoiding ulcers. No

particular diet is helpful for most ulcer patients. People who find that certain foods

cause irritation should discuss this problem with their doctor. Smoking has been shown to

delay ulcer healing and has been linked to ulcer recurrence; therefore, persons with

ulcers should not smoke.

Doctors treat stomach and duodenal ulcers with several types of medicines including

H1-blockers, acid pump inhibitors, and mucosal protective agents. When treating H. pylori,

these medications are used in combination with antibiotics.

People with ulcers may experience serious complications if they do not get treatment.

The most common problems include bleeding, perforation of the organ walls, and narrowing

and obstruction of digestive tract passages.

Sometimes an ulcer eats a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Bacteria and

partially digested food can spill through the opening into the sterile abdominal cavity

(peritoneum). This causes peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity and wall. A

perforated ulcer that can cause sudden, sharp, severe pain usually requires immediate

hospitalization and surgery.

• L-Glutamine, 500 mg daily on an empty stomach, is important in the healing of peptic
  
  ulcers.



• Pectin, taken as directed on the label, may have good results on a duodenal ulcer.



• Vitamin E, 400 IU per day, aids in reducing stomach acids and in relieving pain.



• Iron (chelated form), taken as directed on the label, helps prevent anemia (which may
  
  result from bleeding ulcers).



• Vitamin A emulsion or capsules, 25,000 IU daily for one month, is needed for healing. It
  
  protects the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.



• Vitamin K, 100 mg. per day.



• Zinc, 50-80 mg. per day, promotes quicker healing.

Try the following tea:

Comfrey (2 parts)

Calendula (1 part)

Knotgrass (1 part)

Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1 1/2 to 2 cups a day, unsweetened, in

mouthful doses.

The
nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements
that may help the condition. Please do remember however that
nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in
no way replaces medical treatment.